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December 29, 2015

Edward VII under the hammer at next Brigham sale

Lot 27 features the Edward VII accepted designs in large record die proofs, in black on thin glazed card approximately 65 by 75 mm (20 cent is slightly smaller), all from the hardened state with American Bank Note Co. Ottawa imprint and appropriate die number. This is one of three known complete sets, with the auction firm noting ‘this being the largest size.’ Lot 27 has an estimated value of $20,000.

Another two-part catalogue of the Brigham Collection of Canada will feature the Edward VII (1903-11) and Queen Elizabeth II (1953-95) collections.

“Probably the greatest Edward VII collection ever assembled, it is replete with unique items such as the 1901 Composite Essay Presentation Panel which debunks the long-held belief that the post office had no intention of issuing new stamps until the contract ran out with the printer in 1902,” says Charles Verge, chief executive officer of Brigham Auctions, Ltd.

The seventh sale of what is considered one of the finest collections ever assembled, Ron Brigham’s philatelic material has garnered numerous national and international awards and recognitions. The sale will be held Saturday, Jan. 16 at the Brampton Golf Club in Brampton, Ont. The 396-lot auction kicks off at 1 p.m.

“There is also a most extensive collection of die essays from the British security printers for this issue,” Verge says. “A vast array of plate number strips and blocks and misperforated varieties can be found in the auction’s 304 Edward VII lots.”

Verge says the experimental coil section offers items from every type while the booklet section “offers three complete tête-bêche booklet panes of six including one (left-hand side) of two recorded plate number blocks and one (right-hand side) of two recorded bottom margin blocks.”

The postal history portion unveils covers with a “myriad of different rates and unusual destinations” including Cape of Good Hope, China, Malta, Sierra Leone, Tasmania and Turkey. “Many of the lower values are found on illuminated and colourful advertising covers,” Verge says. “The high values show unusual frankings and contain two of the eight known 50-cent frankings.”

Part VII is a continuation of the sixth sale, featuring some of the holdings and rarities of the Queen Elizabeth II era of the Brigham collection.

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